Search

Introduction: Occupational therapy (OT) is based on the core assumption that humans are active beings through engagement in occupations. Within OT, occupation is typically used as primary means and/or ends i.e. occupation-focused and/or occupation-based interventions are employed. Studies evaluating such interventions are limited. Objectives: To synthesize experiences about occupation-focused and/or occupation-based interventions. Hence, to identify, organize and prioritize experiences with employing occupation as a core element in OT intervention studies. Methods: Participants were OT PhD students and researchers involved in studies concerning occupation-focused and/or occupation-based interventions. Group Concept Mapping was applied. Results: Based on 133 ideas, a conceptual model emerged encompassing two overall dimensions concerning 'developing interventions' and 'planning intervention studies', respectively. Moreover, ten themes related to one or both dimensions were defined and 94 ideas across clusters had high importance ratings. Conclusion: Synthesis of participants' experiences indicates that 'doing' as agent of change is a core element of OT interventions. Moreover, a multi-level perspective is needed to reach sustainable changes in doing. Group- and peer-support can work as amplifier for change, and flexibility is important during intervention. Such complex interventions need special design and mixed methods in the development, and evaluation of outcome needs to address occupation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Subgroups of women with fibromyalgia likely show different activity of daily living (ADL) skill deficits. Identifying ineffective ADL skills of significance in the ‘typical’ woman with fibromyalgia will promote the planning of targeted occupational therapy interventions aiming at improving ADL ability. Objective:To identify frequently reported ADL skill deficits of significance in subgroups of women with fibromyalgia who have decreased ADL motor ability in combination with decreased or competent ADL process ability. Method:Women with fibromyalgia were evaluated with the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS). If they demonstrated decreased ADL motor ability, the calibrated AMPS raters identified and reported ineffective ADL skills of significance. Descriptive comparisons were made between subgroups displaying either decreased or competent ADL process ability. Results:Moves,calibrates,bends,reaches, andpaceswere identified as the most frequently reported ineffective ADL skills of significance within the total sample (n = 188). The ADL process skills itemsorganiseandaccommodatewere identified as ineffective only in the subgroup with decreased ADL process ability (n = 105). Conclusion:It is suggested that clinicians modify the individual’s tasks and environments to compensate for identified ineffective ADL skills and to use the AMPS to differentiate interventions in women with fibromyalgia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]